Agriculture in the Classroom Canada (AITC-C) and Second Harvest are launching a new Food Waste Quest within AITC-C’s national Mission Explorium program. Designed for grades six to eight youth, this Quest invites students across Canada to explore the causes and impacts of food waste — and to design innovative, real-world solutions that contribute to a more sustainable future.

Students will investigate how food moves through the supply chain, why so much of it is lost or wasted, and what actions individuals and communities can take to reduce waste. The Quest empowers youth to think critically about sustainability, climate impacts, and food systems — while inspiring them to take action on food waste in their own communities and imagine future careers where they can help create a more sustainable, waste-smart food system.

Existing Quests invite students to investigate Ecosystems, Agriculture, and Food & Culture — and now, with the addition of the new Food Waste Quest, the program offers an even richer exploration of sustainability and real-world food system challenges.

This collaboration brings together AITC-C’s national leadership in food education and Second Harvest’s expertise in food rescue and food waste reduction.

Registration for Mission Explorium is now open.

Educators in classrooms, homeschool environments, and after-school groups working with Grades six to eight youth can register today at: https://aitcdashboard.ca/programs/mission_explorium/nat/2027/expo/teacher/.

2027 Competition Timeline

Regional Competition

January 7 — Regional Competition Begins

April 16 — Regional Competition Ends

April 23 — Regional Winners Announced

National Competition

April 26 — National Competition Begins

May 6 — National Competition Ends

May 14 — National Winners Announced

Source:  Agriculture in the Classroom Canada September 8, 2026 news release